Top 10 Crime Films About Hitmen

Description: This classic thriller follows an unnamed assassin, known only as the Jackal, hired to kill French President Charles de Gaulle. It's a masterclass in suspense and meticulous planning, showcasing the cat-and-mouse game between the assassin and the authorities.

Fact: The film was so realistic that it led to changes in security protocols for French presidents. The Jackal's character inspired numerous other hitmen in fiction.

Description: A young girl, Mathilda, becomes the apprentice of Léon, a professional hitman, after her family is murdered. This film explores themes of innocence, mentorship, and revenge, with a unique bond forming between the unlikely pair.

Fact: Natalie Portman's breakout role was in this film, and she learned to speak with a French accent for her character. The film was originally much longer, with scenes cut to achieve a more commercial length.

Description: Hitman Martin Blank returns to his hometown for his high school reunion, where he confronts his past, his career, and his feelings for his high school sweetheart. This dark comedy blends humor with introspection.

Fact: John Cusack, who also co-wrote the screenplay, was inspired by his own high school reunion. The film features a memorable soundtrack with songs from the '80s.

Description: A taxi driver, Max, unwittingly becomes the driver for Vincent, a hitman, for one night in Los Angeles. This film intertwines the lives of two very different men, exploring themes of fate, morality, and the randomness of life.

Fact: Tom Cruise's character, Vincent, was originally written for a much older actor. The film was shot in sequence to capture the real-time progression of the night.

Description: Arthur Bishop, a master assassin, takes on an apprentice, Steve McKenna, after killing his mentor. This remake of the 1972 film focuses on the art of assassination, with a twist of betrayal and revenge.

Fact: Jason Statham performed many of his own stunts, showcasing his skills in martial arts and driving. The film's ending was changed from the original to provide a more open-ended conclusion.

Description: Two hitmen, Ray and Ken, are sent to Bruges, Belgium, to lay low after a job goes wrong. The film blends dark comedy with existential drama, exploring themes of guilt, redemption, and the beauty of life amidst chaos.

Fact: The film was shot on location in Bruges, with the city becoming almost a character in itself. Colin Farrell's performance earned him a Golden Globe nomination.

Description: Earl Brooks, a successful businessman, leads a double life as a serial killer. This psychological thriller examines the internal struggle between his two personas, with a twist of blackmail and pursuit by a determined detective.

Fact: Kevin Costner's performance was noted for its depth, portraying a character with both charm and darkness. The film was originally intended to be the first of a trilogy.

Description: A weary hitman, Jack, seeks refuge in a small Italian village to build one last weapon before retiring. This slow-burn thriller examines the life of a man trying to escape his past, with a focus on introspection and the beauty of simplicity.

Fact: George Clooney learned to speak Italian for the role, and much of the film was shot in the picturesque town of Castel del Monte, Italy.

Description: Based on the true story of Richard Kuklinski, a notorious contract killer, this film delves into his double life as a family man and a cold-blooded assassin, exploring the duality of his existence.

Fact: Michael Shannon's portrayal of Kuklinski was praised for its chilling accuracy. The film's title refers to Kuklinski's nickname, given due to his method of freezing bodies to obscure the time of death.

Description: A top protection agent, Michael Bryce, is tasked with protecting his mortal enemy, hitman Darius Kincaid, to testify at the International Court of Justice. This action-comedy explores themes of rivalry, trust, and redemption.

Fact: The film features a high-speed chase through Amsterdam, which was shot on location. Ryan Reynolds and Samuel L. Jackson had great chemistry, leading to a sequel.